Irish craft breweries and distilleries remain committed to industry in spite of challenges

Irish craft breweries and distilleries remain committed to industry in spite of challenges

Ireland’s largest craft drinks gathering returns as part of St. Patricks Festival 2019

Alltech Brews, The Convention Centre Dublin, March 14th – 16th 2019

@AlltechBrews | #AlltechBrews

18th February 2019: The Alltech Craft Brews and Food Fair, Ireland’s largest craft drinks gathering has been announced as one of the featured events in the St. Patrick’s Festival for 2019. Returning to the Convention Centre Dublin from 14th-16th March, Alltech Brews will showcase more than 300 beers, ciders and spirits from Ireland’s leading craft drinks producers who are at the heart of a vibrant and innovative industry.

Shane Crowe, London Essence; Fionn Cahill, Porterhouse Brewing Company, David Walsh-Kemmis, Ballykilcavan Brewery and Sally-Anne Cooney, Boyne Brewhouse today launched the Alltech Craft Brews and Food Fair, Ireland’s largest craft drinks gathering which returns to the Convention Centre Dublin from 14th-16th March as part of the St. Patrick’s Festival 2019

Commitment to Growth Exhibitors at this year’s event acknowledged that issues such as market saturation, the Government’s Public Health Alcohol Bill and the introduction of so called ‘craft’ brands by large multinationals are putting pressure on the industry. However, the majority have demonstrated their commitment to continued growth with 76% of exhibitors saying that they had recently hired or were planning to attract new staff in 2019. In addition over 50% of exhibitors have developed or are in the process of developing tourist attractions connected to their brewery or distillery.

Speaking in advance of the event, Conor Farrell, Alltech Beverage Division Ireland (ABDI) said:“In spite of the challenges, 2019 marks another year of continued expansion and development in Ireland’s craft drinks industry. As can be seen in the recent Drinks Industry Group of Ireland report*, innovation and entrepreneurship are at the heart of the sector’s success and producers have shown a willingness to evolve and adapt which has resulted in a strengthened, competitive marketplace. We are really excited with the line-up for this year’s event which will celebrate the best of the Irish craft brewing and distilling sector in a fun, festival atmosphere.”

St. Patrick’s Festival 2019

This year Alltech Brews will take place slightly later than usual to allow the event to become one of the featured St. Patrick’s Festival events.

Commenting on the move, Festival Organiser, Gemma O’Halloransaid, “Our festival has always taken place in Spring and so it was an obvious choice for us to make it part of the St. Patricks Weekend festivities when Dublin City Centre is buzzing with visitors from both Ireland and overseas. Not only do we offer the latest brews from Ireland’s thriving craft drinks sector, we also have live music, live rugby, fun games areas, tasty food and, best of all, great craic!”

The Distillers Quarter which was introduced in 2018 is back due to popular demand and will feature a range of Irish whiskey and gin alongside more unusual distilled products such as the Chinese Liquor, Moutai, from Elite Spirits and a range of honey-based Mead from Kinsale Mead Company. London Essence has been announced as the official premium tonic partner for the event and will have a feature stand in the Distillers Quarter, alongside Niche Vines which will offer red wine, white wine and prosecco.

The Pearse Lyons Distillery will also host a series of whiskey masterclasses at the fair, where attendees can sample an Irish whiskey, a Bourbon, a Rye and a Scotch in an intimate appreciation class. This ticketed event will cost €10 per person which also includes some light nibbles.

Entertainment & Food

Alongside a stellar line-up of exhibitors, the festival will feature live music featuring trad, rock and soul and cheesy tunes from the 80s and 90s; Six Nations Rugby on three of the largest screens in Dublin; and games areasincluding pool tables, foosball tables and air hockey!

There are more food offerings than ever before with the new addition of a food quarter for 2019. The quarter will provide delicious savoury and sweet choices to suit all tastes and will feature Pieman, J2 Sushi, Smokin’ Bones, Mr. Muffin Man, Barry John’s Sausages, Cornude Artisan Popcorn, Sheskin Smoked Salmon, Kono Pizza Ireland, and The Rolling Donut.

Eco-friendly festival

This year conscious efforts have been taken to increase the environmentally-friendly aspects of the event. Alongside established measures such as the Eco-Cup which attendees use throughout their attendance and eco-guidelines set by the Convention Centre Dublin regarding separate labelled bins; this year will see Murray’s Recyclable Plastic as our furniture sponsor.

Sponsors and Partners

Alltech Brews is brought to you by Alltech Beverage Division Ireland (ABDI) in association with The London Essence Company. The event is supported by Niche Vines; Alska Cider; Kegstar, GORI (a DHL company), the Pearse Lyons Distillery, Murray’s Recycled Plastic and Míl Gin.